FSIN Executive Communique June 1, 2012

Assembly of First Nations to Honour Past Leaders
At the upcoming Annual General Assembly in July, the AFN will be honouring First Nation leaders who have passed away in the past year. 

 In an effort to ensure that we are honouring everyone, the AFN is requesting information of leaders (Chiefs and past Chiefs, Councilors, Senators) who have passed away in the past year. 
We would respectfully request that names, a short bio (individual’s First Nation/community and dates of birth and passing), and a high-resolution photo (300 dpi) be submitted by Thursday, June 14, 2012 to provide time to prepare our presentation honouring these leaders. Please send the information to FSIN Communications: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Treaty Right to Education Medals

The FSIN Executive will present the Treaty Right to Education Graduation Medals to First Nations High School Graduates at their graduation ceremonies this spring. These replica Treaty medals symbolize that education is a Treaty Right and serve as a reminder to our youth of their Treaty Rights.
The medallions will be available to First Nation Grade 12 students who attend an on-reserve high school or attend a First Nation designated high school. The medals will also be available to post-secondary graduates from the First Nations University of Canada and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute Technology.

Gaming
On May 17, 2012, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Commission held a meeting where several motions were made.  Two motions were the Amendments to the First Nations Gaming Act and the second was amendments to the Gaming Commission Act. 
The Special Legislative Assembly was held on May 23 and 24th at the Senator Allan Bird Memorial Centre, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Over the two days there was extensive debate on Gaming. 

Amendments to the First Nations Gaming Act and the Gaming Commission Act were ratified by Chiefs-in-Assembly.

On May 24th, there were two presentations made.  The first was a keynote luncheon speaker was Tex Hall who is Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.  His presentation was regarding gaming in the United States and what the tribes have done with respect to gaming there.  His message was how in the United States, Mystic Lake Casino assisted in the financing /investment  in the endeavours of other Tribes development of Casinos and development of the Gaming industry.  A network was created among various tribes in the northern portion of the US.  This partnership created enormous opportunity and employment.  Gaming has led to greater opportunity for our people as it has created less dependency on social programs.   In the United States they are also looking at developing international partnerships.  This development started from Tribal Gaming.

A second presentation was made by an internet gaming company called GEOBET and they detailed their history and what they are able to do in regards to online gaming environment.

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships 2012
The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships took place in Saskatoon, in May 6-12, 2012 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council.  Both Male and Female Team Saskatchewan Teams had an outstanding tournament with the Males taking the championship title for the fifth straight year.  Team Saskatchewan Females came up a little short in an exciting gold medal game finishing the tournament with a respectable 2nd place finish.  For full results please refer to www.sktc.sk.ca

 
FSIN Provincial Championships
The following have been awarded and the dates are as follows:
FSIN Adult Softball aka Fastball hosted by Cowessess First Nation and will be held in Regina on September 7, 8, 9, 2012.  Contact is Ken Thomas @ 696-7976
FSIN Youth & Adult 3D Archery Championships hosted by Onion Lake First Nation in Onion Lake on August 18 & 19, 2012.  Contact is Gary Waskewitch @ 780-214-3895 or Raymond MacDonald @ 306-830-0596

FSIN Adult Volleyball was hosted May 26 & 27, 2012 on the Thunderchild First Nation.  FSIN Adult Volleyball results:

Men’s     Ladies
1st – Thunderchild    1st – Sweetgrass
2nd – Kahkewistahaw    2nd – Thunderchild
3rd – Loon Lake   3rd - Moosomin

North American Indigenous Games – Regina 2014
The North American Indigenous Games is coming to Regina and the Treaty 4 territory in the summer of 2014.  Currently the Board of Directors is being assembled.  Senior staff for the games is being recruited with the CEO expected to be in place for August 1, 2012.  Planning volunteers will be required in the coming months to assist in the organization and delivery of the games, applications will be posted on the Regina 2014 NAIG website.  The Regina 2014 website is expected to launch in August 2012.

Indian Residential School Update
21 DAYS - TRC SASKATCHEWAN NATIONAL EVENT 
June 21 – 24, 2012
Saskatoon, Prairieland Park 
TRC Events are free open to everyone. The public is invited to observe the proceedings as witnesses. 
For more information please contact:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
1500-360 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3Z3
Toll Free: 1-888-872-5554 (1-888-TRC-5554) Telephone: (204) 984-5885 Fax: (204) 984-5915 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Import Notice:  The Common Experience Payment application deadline has passed.  Late applications will be accepted until September 19, 2012 in cases of disability, undue hardship and exceptional circumstances and must include a written reason for the delay of application.  For more information, a survivor or an executor may contact me and I will assist or call the CEP line at 1-866-699-1742 (TTY: 1-800-926-9105) or visit the closest Service Canada Centre in their area. 

111 DAYS - IAP DEADLINE: September 19, 2012

Thousands have already provided their statements to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. TRC is looking to hear from you EVERY person who wants to give a statement to the commission.  Your statement will help others understand what the schools were like, what happened at the schools and how the experience affected people for generations to come.  TRC will create a National Research Center (NRC) where all of the statements will be safely stored.  Your statement can ensure the tragedies that took place in Residential School will never happen again.  Heath support will be there for you before, during and after you provide a statement.  You do not have to provide a statement, you can come bare-witness to others sharing their stories.
 
TRC is calling for volunteers.  If you or you know of anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Saskatchewan National Event, please submit your volunteer information on the website:
http://www.myrobust.com/websites/saskatchewan/File/Volunteer_Bilingual_FINAL.pdf

Upcoming meetings:
Buffalo River Community Hearing July 3, 4, 2012
TRC Community Hearing La Ronge June 5, 6, 7, 2012 

First Nations Health Information Working Group (FN HI WG)
The FN HI WG met in Saskatoon for the first time in a number of years. It was an opportunity to share on eHealth activities in the Tribal Councils and independent First Nations.
Discussion items included a review of Terms of Reference; deployment of the provincial Panorama system in First Nations in Saskatchewan including First Nations Information Governance, Privacy and OCAP; the Regional Health Survey (RHS); an update on Memorandum of Understanding on Saskatchewan First Nations Health and Well-being as it relates to eHealth; and strategic planning.

First Nations Environmental Health Working Group meeting (FN EH WG
The FN EH WG met in Saskatoon as part of its normal quarterly process. Discussion items included a partnership agreement on the environment; University of Saskatchewan Safe Water for Health Research Team (SWHRT); National First Nations Environmental Contaminants and Drinking Water Quality Programs; Emergency Preparedness and the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program; FNIH Injury Prevention; a presentation on the University of Saskatchewan Dog Days gathering on May 15 and 16, 2012; FSIN Traditional Foods and Environmental Contaminants Workshop report; the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Food visit to Canada; Canada’s omnibus Bill C-38 and upcoming work planning.

First Nations Child Welfare Framework
The First Nations Child Welfare Framework team has just concluded meetings and are providing updates to the ICFS Technical Advisory Group (TAG), the Chiefs’ Political Task Force on Child Welfare (CPFTCW) and the Health and Social Development Commission where the First Nations Child Welfare Framework is concerned.
A combined TAG/CPTFCW was held at the Duck Mountain Lodge on May 29, 2012 and a Health and Social Development Commission meeting was held the following day. FSIN acknowledges the Cote First Nation for its hospitality in hosting participants and delegates.

The FSIN Child Welfare Framework will continue to develop elements and undertake research related to the First Nation Child Welfare Framework in the coming weeks and months. For further information on the First Nations Child Welfare Framework, please contact the director at 956-6903.

Technical Advisory Group, Chiefs Political Task Force on Child Welfare and the Health and Social Development Commission Meeting

First Nations Child Welfare Mandate
The Technical Advisory Group, Chiefs Political Task Force on Child Welfare and the Health and Social Development Commission met in Duck Lake May 29 & 30, 2012.  Out of this meeting, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations received further direction and support in their mandate on Child Welfare. 
Raymond Shingoose and Elenor Brazeau were identified as First Nations representatives to work with the Ministry of Social Services as the Child and Family Service Act is reviewed for legislative change.  One of the key themes of the Saskatchewan Child Welfare Review Panel's final report, and of Saskatchewan’s Child Welfare Transformation Strategy, is the need for government to work differently with First Nations.  The Health and Social Commission Chiefs have identified this as a way for First Nations to have meaningful input into any legislative changes or amendments to the Child and Family Service Act.

The Health and Social Development Commission determined that a meeting with the Social Services Minister June Draude and Deputy Minister Ken Acton is required to discuss Legislation, Fiscal issues, the First Nations Child and Youth Agenda, the Structured Decision Making Model, Linkin (Information Management System), the Director of Child Welfare Transformation, the Letter of Understanding between the FSIN and the Ministry of Social Services, and the funding for the 2012-2013 First Nations Child Welfare Framework.

Finally, the Health and Social Development Commission approves and supports the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute to conduct further research and explore other options on the Structured Decision Making Model. 

Letter of Understanding between the FSIN and the Saskatchewan Children`s Advocate Office
The Saskatchewan Children’s Advocate Office (CAO), is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.  The mandate of the office is to advocate and investigate matters affecting children who are receiving or have been denied a service from Saskatchewan.  This includes children and youth receiving services through Indian Child & Family Service Agencies (ICFS).

The FSIN recognizes and appreciates the role and mandate of this independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The CAO has jurisdiction of all child serving ministries.  As such, it is important to ensure First Nations have meaningful input into the priorities of the CAO as it relates to systemic advocacy and investigations. Given the vast majority of children serviced by government, the Ministries of Social Services (MSS) and Corrections Public Safety and Policing (CPSP), in particular, are First Nations children and youth, both the FSIN and the CAO are seeking an agreement outlining our shared interests and goals.  Together, we hope to promote the rights and entitlements of First Nations children and youth both on and off-reserve.
 
To that end, FSIN is exploring a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between with the CAO which will solidify our shared goals and aspirations. This relationship will offer an additional avenue for issues affecting First Nations children and youth are recognized addressed and resolved. 

Saskatchewan First Nations Annual Disability Awareness Day
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is pleased to announce the Saskatchewan First Nations Disability Awareness Day hosted by the Kawacatoose First Nation.  This event is taking place on June 15, 2012.  Beginning at 11:00 a.m., participants will walk from the Kawacatoose Band Office to the Asiniwkisk  Education Campus School Gym.  Please join us in recognizing the important contributions of our First Nations with disabilities as well as supporting their efforts in advancing equality for themselves.  Please contact Linda Badger at 306 956 1032 if you have any questions.

 
The Four Directions Stabilization & Assessment Center, located on Muskowekwan First Nations is celebrating the Grand Opening of their new facility June 15, 2012.  The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is proud of the Center’s growth and service to our children since they opened their doors in 2000.  The Grand Opening begins at 10:30 a.m. with a BBQ to follow.  Please contact Director of Four Directions, William Pinacie at 306 274 2262 for further information. 

The Annual First Nation Disability Golf Challenge
We are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Saskatchewan First Nations Women`s Commission, The Annual First Nation Disability Golf Challenge.  This important fundraiser for First Nations with disabilities and in support of the Women`s Commission`s work on Missing and Murdered Women of Saskatchewan is taking place at the beautiful Perdue Oasis Golf & RV Resort on June 23, 2012.  Please contact Linda Badger at 306 956 1032 or Joyce Knight at 306 956 6901 to register or for further details.  Hope to see you there!

Saskatchewan First Nation Veterans Association (SFNVA) Update
Grand Chief Ray Sanderson addressed the Chiefs in Assembly at the Allen Bird Memorial Centre in Prince Albert, SK on May 22, 2012. Grand Chief expressed his commitment to work with his fellow Veterans over the course of the next 3 years and thanked the FSIN for their support over the past few years. He also stated he would be approaching the First Nations for resources to take care of their Veterans in terms of their Gravemarker program. The Assembly applauded the SFNVA’s efforts. The SFNVA are holding their Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament at Dakota Dunes Golf Course on June 14, 2012. Please contact FSIN to register a team.

Bold Eagle 23 Update
Presently, the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre is approximately 50% complete in processing the applications to this year’s Bold Eagle. There are 22 spots to fill for Bold Eagle and another 25 for Raven (Navy based in Esquimalt, BC) and Black Bear (Army based in Borden, Ontario). The Recruiting Centre continues to contact the applicants in order to conduct further Medical Testing, Aptitude Testing, Physical Fitness Testing and the Personal Interview.

Vice Chief Bird Response to Cabinet Shuffle
Vice Chief Simon Bird looks forward to building positive working relationships with the new Minister of Education Russ Marchuk, the new Minister of Advanced Education Don Morgan and the new Minister responsible for First Nations and Metis Relations Jim Reiter. The education and training secretariat has already been in contact with the new ministers and Vice Chief Bird will be meeting with each of the new ministers in the coming weeks to ensure that each of them are aware and up to date on the current issues that First Nations in Saskatchewan are facing in regards to Education, particularly the lack of comparable funding for our band schools.
Human Rights Complaint on Education
Following in the steps of the 2007, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society ("Caring Society") human rights complaint against INAC, First Nations in Quebec have launched a similar Human Rights complaint aimed specifically at the funding of education on reserve. It is common knowledge that First Nations education in the Saskatchewan region has the same issue with underfunding. On reserve funding is on average $6500/student while provincial funding is on average $10,500/student. The challenge will employ the following information:
• The United Nations Declaration Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) recognizes the Treaty Right to Education in Article 14: “ Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning”; and

• The UNDRIP states in Article 21: Indigenous peoples have the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including inter alia, in the areas of education, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security; and

• The British Crown through the successor state, Canada, has a fiduciary and moral (honour of the Crown) obligation to provide education for First Nations, while the provincial governments have the responsibility for public education; and

• Since 1996, the increase in INAC’s national education funding formula for First Nation schools has been capped at 2% annually despite the steady growth in inflation and the youth population living on reserve; and

• In contrast, the funding of school systems off reserves has increased by a Canadian average of 4.1% per year since 1996 despite a general decline in student enrolment; and

• The right to equal public services is something every citizen in Canada (First Nations and non-First Nations) has the right to enjoy; and

• The Canadian Human Rights Act is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, which includes First Nations; and

• Individuals or organizations may register complaints with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (Commission) which then could proceed to adjudication before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal where a hearing could  be conducted; and

• INAC is obligated to comply with the Canadian Human Rights Act; and

• The investigations carried out in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act would require INAC to answer to the Commission, present submissions, and take part in the investigation process; and

• The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal could order INAC to fund schools on reserve at a level that is comparable to what is provided off reserve, to conduct mandatory consultations with First Nations communities and advocacy groups and to report regularly to the Tribunal on progress being made.

The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) of Quebec has launched a Human Rights Complaint on Education regarding inequitable funding to First Nations schools and has requested support from other First Nations across Canada. Vice Chief Bird invites dialogue with the Chiefs of Saskatchewan on this matter and encourages their participation in what is hoped to be a country-wide human rights complaint regarding the underfunding of First Nations education. The Human Rights Complaint on Education will be on the agenda at the SIETC meeting scheduled for June 7, 2012.

Joint Task Force
On May 25, the education and training secretariat of the FSIN : Gerry Hurton, ED FSIN Education and Training Secretariat, Mary Callele, FSIN lead for the JTF, Corey O’Soup, Senior Policy Analyst, Garry Sibley, Math and Science Consultant and Rhonda Bluehorn, Adminstrative Assistant engaged in a dialogue with the JTF members and Secretariat to share some of the challenges, concerns and successes in Educationa that First Nations have throughout the province. The Education and Training Secretariat look forward to ongoing dialogue with the JTF  as they continue with their discussions across the province.
Joint Task Force Community Discussions took place in the following communites on these dates: Meadow Lake - May 22, Yorkton - May 29,  Fort Qu’Appelle - May 30, and Regina - May 31.
Each JTF discussion will focus on Early Learning and Childcare, Elementary and Secondary Education, Post-Secondary Education and Employment. The broad questions enquire about: things that are working; what should be changed; beliefs about improving the situation; and what supports and environments are needed to improve the educational and employment opportunities for First Nations people. Individuals or groups who would like to meet with the JTF are asked to contact the FSIN lead for the Joint Task Force: Mary Callele at 306-667-2681 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or visit the JTF website www.jointtaskforce.ca

Upcoming Meeting dates:

June 4 – 5, 2012: Cultural Responsiveness Framework Meeting (MOU), Prince Albert, SK

June 7, 2012: Saskatchewan Indian Education and Training Commission- Travelodge, Saskatoon

June 8, 2012: First Nations Health Information Working Group Strategic Planning,
Saskatoon

June 14, 2012: SFNVA Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Dakota Dunes, Whitecap Dakota First Nation

June, 15, 2012: Federation of Saskatchewan Home & Community Care Nursing Working Group meeting, Saskatoon

June 21 – 24, 2012: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Saskatchewan National Event Saskatoon, SK